We Discovered a Different Side of Thailand at Hua Hin
Bangkok is the heartbeat of Thailand. The place for those who crave the loud beats of the city. But beyond the bustling capital lies another side of Thailand, one that offers serenity, family-friendly beaches, culture, and memories that stay long after the trip is over. Just three hours south of Bangkok, Hua Hin welcomes travelers with the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery.
Originally a quiet fishing village, Hua Hin became Thailand’s first seaside resort in the 1920s when King Rama VII chose it as a royal retreat. Today, it remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Hua Hin is famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches, vibrant night markets, artisanal crafts, and of course, abundance of fresh seafood; something we happily indulged in throughout our stay.
Let’s take you through the places and moments that made our two-day Hua Hin trip special!
Checking in at Avani+ Hua Hin Resort
To get the best of the coastal moments and summer vibes, we checked into Avani+Hua Hin Resort, an oasis designed with families in mind. The resort offers a wide pool, direct beach access, play areas for children, and plenty of spaces where adults can simply unwind with the sea breeze. It instantly set the tone for our trip, relaxing yet full of possibilities.
Wine Tasting at Monsoon Valley Vineyard
One of the highlights of Hua Hin was visiting Monsoon Valley Vineyard, set amidst rolling hills just outside the town. Rows of lush vines stretched across the landscape, creating a scene that felt worlds away from the usual beach setting.
Here, we sampled Thailand’s own wines which each glass light, crisp, and refreshing in the warm afternoon. The vineyard’s calm atmosphere, with its open terraces and panoramic views, made the experience so relaxing.
Quick Dip at Vana Nava Water Jungle
For families with kids (and kids at heart), VanaNava Water Jungle is a must. Known as Thailand’s first “water jungle,” the park is packed with thrilling slides, twisting tubes, and even a man-made lazy river.
Tickets are 1400 baht for adults while 900 baht for kids, inclusive of all attractions. Children under 110cm are free of charge. You can enjoy the public wave pool, or chillax inside temperature-controlled jacuzzis. For the adventurous, the surf simulator gave everyone a chance to ride the waves without ever stepping into the ocean. It was the perfect summer escape.
Heritage in Every Thread: Khomapastr Hand-Printed Cotton Factory
No trip to Hua Hin is complete without diving into its cultural legacy, and for us, that meant a visit to the Khomapastr Hand-Printed Cotton Factory.
Established in the 1940s, Khomapastr is renowned for preserving the art of hand-printed Thai textiles. We were guided through the process, from carving patterns to applying dyes, and even created our own cotton prints to take home. Since workshops are by appointment only and not open to walk-ins, it’s best to plan this stop ahead with a travel agent.
Seafood Dinner at Ko Mark Restaurant
No trip to Hua Hin is complete without indulging in its seafood bounty, and one of the best places to do that is Ko Mark Restaurant.
Ko Mark is known for serving the freshest catch of the day, prepared with bold Thai flavors. From grilled prawns dripping with spice and lime to perfectly steamed crabs and classic tom yum soup loaded with seafood, every dish celebrated the ocean’s richness!
The Vibrant Spirit of Cicada Night Market
When the sun set, Hua Hin revealed its lively artistic soul at the Cicada Night Market. The air buzzed with music, laughter, and creativity. Buskers played under fairy lights, live painters captured moments on canvas, and also performers—from singers to meme-inspired acts—lit up the night. Stalls brimmed with crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, while the smell of sizzling street food filled the air. It was more than just a market; it was a celebration of community, culture, and connection.
Thai Wellness at Play La Ploen – The Journey
Thailand is famous for its traditional remedies, and one of its most popular exports are the tiny herbal inhalers found in every market stall. At Play La Ploen, we immersed ourselves in this wellness tradition. We crafted our own herbal inhalers and even made soothing eye masks.
It was a hands-on activity that combined fun with a deeper appreciation of Thai culture.
Sweet Endings at Chommanard Thai Dessert
Of course, Thailand’s culture is as much about flavors as it is about art. At Chommanard Thai Dessert, we rolled up our sleeves for a hands-on workshop making Thai Coconut Munchkins. The shop is run by a family and the name was actually named after their mother. They have been operating for six years, though the family behind it has been creating Thai desserts for two decades. Moreover, it was the sweetest way to wrap up our Hua Hin adventures—literally!
Back to Bangkok
After days of exploration, food, and fun, we returned to Bangkok. To close out the trip, we visited the well-anticipated Jurassic World Experience at Asiatique. This immersive experience will definitely delight both the kids and the kids-at-heart. Here, we get to experience the prehistoric era to life with realistic animatronic dinosaurs, immersive settings, and educational displays that both entertain and inform.
For our last night, we stayed at the Moxy Hotel, perfectly located within walking distance of the city’s major shopping spots, making it a convenient and stylish end to our family getaway.
A Journey to Remember
Hua Hin is Thailand at its most soulful, with tranquil shores, living culture, and flavors that stay with you long after the trip. Paired with Bangkok’s pulse, the experience blended calm and thrill in one memorable journey
